Songkran in Chiang Mai – Thailand's most famous holiday is Songkran, the Thai New Year, which basically becomes a nationwide water fight. Chiang Mai has earned a reputation for hosting the wildest Songkran celebrations in the country.

Hide Caption

4 of 9

Essential Chiang Mai experiences9 photos

Doi Inthanon – Named after its centerpiece and the highest peak in the country, Doi Inthanon National Park offers waterfall and cave attractions by day and stargazing by night.

Hide Caption

5 of 9

Essential Chiang Mai experiences9 photos

Road trippin' – The roads around Chiang Mai are some of the most scenic in the country. One of the best is the Mae Hong Son Loop, a 600-kilometer (373-mile) journey that starts from Chiang Mai, and traveling counterclockwise, passes through Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang.

As the travel hub for northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai and the province that shares its name (population 1.6 million) blend ancient culture and natural wonders to create a character that's unique to a region once known as the Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields, or "Lanna" in Thai.

In a kind of repeat of history, parts of the city have been invaded by regional neighbors in recent years.

In the past, invaders came from Burma, Siam or other regional rivals.

This time, it's tour groups from China, lured by the success of a massive-hit Chinese comedy movie called "Lost in Thailand," which is partially based in Chiang Mai.

Fortunately, you can still lose yourself in Chiang Mai's majestic mountains, find a quiet picnic spot next to a cascading stream or visit with its friendly people.

1. Eating khao soi

Nothing says "I'm in Chiang Mai" more than slurping a piquant bowl of khao soi, noodles bathed in an intense curry broth topped with crispy noodles.

The dish is traditionally served with chicken or beef with a side of chili paste, pickled cabbage, raw shallots and wedge of lime.

A bowl of khao soi at Samoer Jai at Faham.

Arguably northern Thailand's most famous dish, khao soi can be found from unnamed holes-in-the-wall to five-star resorts, all peddling renditions of the "best" noodles money can buy.

For a fail-safe lunchtime introduction, Lam Duan Faham or Samoer Jai, both on Chiang Mai's Charoenrat Road, are terrific choices.

A glass of the herbal drink bai bua bok (Asian pennywort) helps you cool off after the spicy meal.

Ob Luang National Park, with its dramatic river-canyon landscape littered with boulders, and Doi Inthanon National Park, named after the highest peak in the country, offer waterfall and cave attractions by day and stargazing by night.

Presiding over the mountainous horizon to the northwest of the city, Doi Suthep mountain is the most recognizable landmark in Chiang Mai. Its glimmering mountaintop temple is a popular first stop for visitors.

Most make the trek up the 300-plus steps of the Naga staircase to visit the working monastery in the daytime, from which, weather permitting, you can get panoramic views of the city.

A better time to go is in the early hours of the morning, when you can avoid the heat and crowds, and watch the flickering lights of the city fade as the sun rises.

The climb to the top is a thigh-buster, but it's worth it for the great views. There's also a scenic road up Doi Suthep for those who prefer to drive.

4. Trekking to hill tribe villages

Nearby hills or dois mean there are plenty of nature-based day trips in the area, often with a waterfall to cool off in.

Tour operators will often combine a handful of excursions in a single day.

The best and priciest outfits in town provide private customized tours that allow you to choose your activities and not be herded along with the crowd.

A great leisurely activity, bamboo rafting in Mae Wang provides a closeup introduction to the region's lush forests.

To admire the greenery from top down, Flight of the Gibbon in Mae Kampong offers 5 kilometers of zip line through a forest canopy.

The village of Mae Klang Luang is big on community-based tourism. It's a place to stop for a freshly brewed cup of coffee while overlooking terraced rice paddies before following a local guide on a 3-kilometer trek to a "hidden" waterfall.

Festivals in Chiang Mai are celebrated with boisterous party fervor and observance of ancient traditions.

One of the best holidays is Songkran, the Thai New Year, observed over three official days but often lasting five days each April (dates change every year).

Cultural activities are centered around Wat Phra Singh, the city's most visited temple, and the old town.

To take part in Chiang Mai's famed full-fledged water fight, you need to pick a strategic station and get ready to get wet -- Tha Pae Gate, anywhere along the moat, next to the Ping River, around Central Kad Suan Kaew and Maya shopping centers, are areas of intense activity and big crowds.

Another festival worth planning a trip to Chiang Mai around is Loy Krathong, which coincides with the Lanna festival of Yi Peng.

On that November night (again, the dates change annually), tens of thousands of paper lanterns (khom loy) are set off into the sky and thousands more candle-lit floats are released along waterways.

The roads around Chiang Mai are some of the most scenic in the country.

One of the best known is the Mae Hong Son Loop, a 600-kilometer journey that starts from Chiang Mai, and, traveling counterclockwise, passes through Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang before returning to the starting point.

Driving yourself is the best way to do this multiday excursion -- car and motorbike rental shops are found all over the city -- allowing you to stop to admire the mountainous landscape, visit small villages and swim beneath waterfalls.

The shorter, 100-kilometer Samoeng Loop makes for an easy day trip. It passes through Hang Dong and Mae Rim just outside of town.

Both of these loops have food stops along the way, but it never hurts to have bags of sai-ua (northern Thai herb sausages) and sticky rice for a spontaneous hillside picnic en route.

9. Relaxing

The pace of life in Chiang Mai is refreshingly slower than in Bangkok, giving it a sleepy ambiance that adds to its charm.

To indulge in the chilled-out lifestyle, you'll want to kick back in a waterside setting with views of the mountainous surroundings and, of course, good food.

About an hour's drive from town, and a longtail boat ride away, you can dine in one of the floating restaurants in Mae Ngat Reservoir in Sri Lanna National Park -- there's nothing to do here but eat, drink, swim and be merry.

Houseboats can be rented by the day, and if you can't tear yourself away from the scenic surroundings, it's worth staying overnight.

Closer to town, Huay Tung Tao lake has a similar food-nature-and-not-much-else appeal.

Located close to the base of Doi Suthep, the lake is dotted with private open air huts on the water's edge where you can order food from nearby restaurants, swim and just whittle away the day enjoying the moment.